The Fremont Oktoberfest is a beer-drinking, knowledge-learning, and even family-friendly festival happening in late September. This blog will help the seasoned veterans and the newbies experience the Fremont Oktoberfest to its absolute fullest.

So what is Oktoberfest anyway?

So all I knew about Oktoberfest before working on this years event was:

1. That I was always confused drinking at a celebration called Oktoberfest in September
2. That people wear funny costumes and run around with giant beer mugs
3. Beer is good!

Well luckily I have extended my knowledge (don’t worry I have still stuck strongly to #3) and know a bit more now as to why we celebrate this holiday ever year in September in the “Center of the Universe” – Fremont.

So why September?
In old Germany, the brewing season began with the fall harvest of barley and hops and any beer left at harvest time had to be consumed before the new beer arrived. September was designated as the time to drink-up all of last season’s beer. It officially became Oktoberfest in 1810, when Ludwig I, the Crown Prince of Bavaria declared a 16-day celebration in commemoration of his wedding – now that is one celebration that I would have loved to be a part of!

So as you are hanging out in one of the three beer gardens, or consuming one of the over 70 microbrews that will be at the Fremont Oktoberfest September 21-23, think of yourself as being a part of a tradition that has been around for almost 200 years! Or even better think of it as your duty…someone has to drink-up all of last season’s beer!!!